New City NYC Sermons

New City NYC

Listen to our sermons and reflections here

  1. 3D AGO

    Philippians Series IV: The Joy of the Lord is my Strength | Phil. 4:4-13

    In this final sermon of the Philippians series, Piero Gorriti reflects on Philippians 4:4–13 and the paradox at the heart of the Christian life: believers are called to rejoice even amid uncertainty, anxiety, and hardship. Paul’s closing exhortation shows that joy is not a fleeting emotion but a posture rooted in relationship with Christ. From rejoicing in the Lord, to practicing humility and gentleness toward others, to bringing anxiety before God in prayer, Paul outlines a pattern for a life shaped by the gospel—one where God’s peace guards the believer’s heart and mind in Christ Jesus. The sermon traces Paul’s movement from outward posture to inner transformation, highlighting how prayer reshapes anxiety, how the mind is formed by Christ-centered virtues, and how disciples learn true contentment regardless of circumstance. Contrary to common misuse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” is not about achieving personal goals but about enduring every season—abundance or lack—through Christ’s strength. Drawing from his own story of navigating uncertainty and dependence on God, Piero invites the church to trust that the same Lord who sustains us in suffering also fills us with lasting joy. The Christian life, Paul shows, is a cycle of rejoicing in Christ, being strengthened by Him in adversity, and continuing to live out the gospel with resilient faith.

    40 min
  2. FEB 18

    Philippians Series I: Is it worth it? Reinterpreting suffering | Phil. 1:12-30

    In Philippians 1, Pastor Piero asks the question behind so much of our faith: Is it worth it? Not as a slogan, but as a real test when obedience costs you comfort, reputation, security, or control. From Paul’s imprisonment, we see a surprising gospel logic: suffering doesn’t have the final word. The gospel reinterprets suffering—not by romanticizing pain, but by revealing what God can do through it. Paul says his chains have actually advanced the gospel (Phil. 1:12–18), using a word that means “cutting a path forward.” Even the empire’s enforcement system becomes an unexpected platform for witness, and the church becomes bolder because they see a leader who refuses fear. The harder question lands close to home: Do we care more about our ego and self-actualization than Christ being proclaimed? Paul had died to reputation. He could rejoice—not in pain itself—but in the redemptive ways God uses hardship to make Jesus known. Then the sermon moves to Paul’s clearest redefinition of “gain”: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21). That line exposes how easily we reverse the gospel into spiritual consumerism—living for “gain” now and treating Jesus as insurance later. Paul’s north is different: life is Christ-centered, Spirit-dependent, and other-focused. He leans on the prayers of the church and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (1:19), and he’s willing to remain “in the flesh” for their joy and progress in faith (1:24–26). Finally, Paul calls the church to live primarily from their heavenly citizenship (1:27–30)—together, not alone. In a world that pulls us toward comfort if we have privilege, or striving if we don’t, the Spirit forms a people who stand with “one spirit and one purpose.” Even suffering is reframed as a grace-gift (charis) God can use to shape us and advance His kingdom.

    29 min
  3. FEB 11

    The Most Influential Church | Acts 11:19-30

    In this powerful sermon, Yucan Chiu (Guest Speaker) invites us to rethink how we measure “success” in the church. Is it size, social media presence, longevity, cultural impact? Or is it something deeper—something quieter, yet far more transformative? Drawing from Acts 11:19–30, Yucan explores the origin story of the church in Antioch—arguably one of the most influential churches in history. This was the community where followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” It was the church that sent out the Apostle Paul. And it was birthed not by famous leaders—but by unnamed, scattered, displaced believers. Through this passage, we discover five defining marks of a world-changing church: Started by ordinary, unnamed people Formed through displacement and scattering Courageous across cultural and ethnic barriers Connected to a wider kingdom movement Mobilized to meet real-world needs in times of crisis Yucan challenges us to see that God often works through obscurity, disruption, and cross-cultural courage to build something far more enduring than platform or prominence. At the heart of Antioch’s influence was one central proclamation: Jesus is Lord. Not merely as a private spiritual truth—but as a revolutionary reality that redefines power, politics, identity, and hope. In a world shaped by empire, chaos, and fear, the good news that Jesus reigns was—and still is—earth-shattering. If you’ve ever wondered whether small, scattered, diverse communities can truly make a difference—this message is for you. The most influential church may not be the most visible. But it is the one aligned with the risen King.

    31 min

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